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In this blog, we’ll show you the ten best places to visit Rome. The suggestions are based on our countless trips to this historic city. Don’t forget to comment on this blog, subscribe to our blog page, and enable notifications. And share your own experience or ask a question in the comments below.
Top 10 Places to Visit Rome
In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 places to visit Rome.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum developed gradually over many centuries from what was a swampy lake collecting water from the surrounding hills. The forum was the center of public life in ancient Rome. Located next to the Colosseum and surrounded by government facilities and other important buildings, it was the venue of major public events such as elections, criminal trials, processions, and public speeches.
We all probably heard about the legend that says Rome was founded by Romulus, who killed his twin brother Remus after the two of them were raised by a she-wolf. Romulus is supposed to be buried under the Roman Forum.
After the fall of the Empire, the Forum was neglected and was used as a meadow for livestock, earning the nickname Campo Vaccino, meaning Cow Field. The site was first excavated in the 18th century and is now an enormous open-air museum featuring relatively well-preserved ruins of old buildings.
If you don’t have time to visit the area, you can see a big part of the forum from the public street above. Don’t skip Foro di Traiano and other interesting buildings just across the street. Located above the Roman Forum, you will find Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome. The settlements on Palatine Hill date back as far as the 10th century BC. Today you can visit an impressive collection of archaeological sites from different eras of ancient Rome. According to legend, the she-wolf that took care of Romulus and Remus lived here. Don’t miss the impressive views of the entire Roman Forum from the terrace on Palatine Hill.
Colosseum
Right next to the Roman Forum, you will find the Colosseum – the largest amphitheater ever built. Construction of this remarkable structure was completed in the year 80 and was made using stone and concrete to demonstrate Roman building techniques to the entire world.
The amphitheater was a gift to the people of Rome by the Flavian Dynasty to gain popularity. For that reason, the emperors organized significant events in the Colosseum, which were free to attend, and sometimes even free food for the visitors was provided. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, theatrical performances, and other public spectacles.
While the structure still stands, earthquakes have damaged it over the years.
Altare Della Patria
Altar of the Fatherland or Altare Della Patria in Italian is a large monument built on top of a part of Capitoline Hill. The monument was built in honor of the first king of unified Italy, Victor Emanuel II, and is, to this day, the largest monument in Rome.
The construction began in 1885 but was not completed for another 50 years. The building of Il Vittoriano, as it is also called, was controversial because it required the destruction of a large part of Capitoline Hill’s Medieval neighborhood.
You can climb the monument, see the tomb of the unknown soldier, visit the museum of Italian Unification, and end your tour with a visit to the impressive terrace offering amazing views of Rome.
Villa Borghese Gardens
Villa Borghese is a large public park comprising several buildings, villas, museums, a zoo, and other attractions. The park is located close above Piazza Del Popolo, one of Rome’s main squares.
The garden was created in 1605 from a former vineyard. In the 19th century, the park was redesigned to its current form and was purchased by the city of Rome for public use.
Terrazza del Pincio, located at the south of the park, offers one of the best panoramic views of Rome. Villa Borghese offers an array of activities: you can rent a boat on one of the lakes in the park and row around the inspiring Temple of Asclepius, visit the Waterclock at Pincio, or stop at one of the open-air restaurants and cafes.
Terrazza Viale del Belvedere, situated close to Casina Valadier, offers another beautiful view of the city. Don’t skip other impressive gardens and parks in Rome.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a Baroque square from the late 15th century that features several impressive statues and fountains from Baroque architecture.
The square was built in the 1st century on a former Dominitian’s stadium. Now, the ruins are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The stadium was used for athletics competitions known as “Circus Agonalis” or the competition arena.
You can still recognize the square’s unique shape and visit the ruins of the stadium 4.5 meters under Piazza Navona. Later in history, the square turned into a lake during the summer to stage famous naval battles. Legends even speak of ghosts wandering around the square.
Trevi Fountain and Underground Labyrinths
Stretching 86 feet into the air, Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Built on the façade of a palace in 1751, it received its water from the Acuqa Vergine aqueduct, considered the purest water in Rome.
Legend says that whoever drinks the water from the fountain or throws a coin into it will return to Rome. Nearly 700,000 euros worth of coins are tossed into Trevi Fountain each year.
Nearby, you can find the remains of a Roman house and the Vicus Caprarius underground labyrinths from Roman times, offering insight into ancient engineering and life.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a colossal stairway of 135 steps connecting the Spanish Embassy with the Trinità dei Monti church. Built in the 18th century by a French diplomat, the steps quickly became one of Rome’s main attractions.
According to tradition, during spring, parts of the steps are decorated with flowers, creating a spectacular sight. At the bottom, Piazza di Spagna features the famous Fontana della Barcaccia dating back to the early Baroque period.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple constructed in the second century AD by Emperor Hadrian. In 609, it was given to the pope and converted into a church.
It remains the best-preserved ancient Roman monument. Its concrete dome features an open oculus, the only source of natural light. When it rains, the floor gets wet, but an ingenious drainage system of 22 hidden holes removes the water quickly.
Baths of Caracalla
Bathing was central to Roman life, and the Baths of Caracalla, built between 212 and 216 by Emperor Caracalla, were a vast and impressive complex.
People from all social classes gathered here not only to bathe but also to socialize. The baths even included a public library. However, beneath the baths, hundreds of slaves worked in extreme heat to keep the water warm.
If you like ancient public baths, don’t miss the Baths of Diocletian.
Vatican City
Covering an area of 110 acres with only about 1,000 inhabitants, Vatican City is the smallest state in the world by area and population.
It has been the pope’s residence since 1377. While the central area is closed to the public, visitors can explore St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo’s famous fresco, The Creation of Adam.
